PSG vs. APOEL Nicosia: Lessons Learned from Champions League Game

Paris Saint-Germain are into the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League after a narrow 1-0 home win over APOEL FC at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

It was far from a vintage performance from the French champions, but Edinson Cavani’s goal inside of the opening minute proved to be enough for the hosts.

"

PSG equal Ipswich Town (31, since 1962) as club with longest RUNNING unbeaten home streak in Europe.

— Infostrada Sports (@InfostradaLive) November 5, 2014"

Lucas Moura and Javier Pastore were sublime at times for PSG, but Laurent Blanc’s men were unable to find that second goal to make the victory more convincing. APOEL had some good chances in the first half but ultimately showed too little and did not do their excellent travelling supporters justice.

PSG’s man of the match, Lucas, told RMC (h/t Ligue1.com) after the match that he believes that the team has what it takes to go at least one step further than last season’s Champions League quarter-finals:

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I think we're capable of doing that. It's a very tough competition, there are a lot of great teams, but we're capable of going a long way. I believe we can do it.

It was a very difficult, tough game. The important thing was to get the three points. We can go far in the Champions League; we're going to work to do that.

It was more of a tactical match than a technical one, you had to use your head.

"

Thanks to Barcelona’s 2-0 win over AFC Ajax in Amsterdam, Les Parisiens have already advanced from Group F with two matches to spare. The French giants’ final clash before the latter stages against the Catalan titans in Spain should decide which of these sides goes through as winners.

Here are some lessons we learned from PSG 1-0 APOEL...

Cavani Is Back and Means Business

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Although it was a largely disappointing individual performance from Cavani, the bare facts at the end of the game are that his goal secured PSG’s safe passage, and he now has four in his last four appearances across all competitions.

When he plays well, he gets criticised for not scoring enough and vice versa.

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0:54 - @ECavaniOfficial has scored @PSG_inside's fastest goal ever in the Champions League. Express.

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 5, 2014"

However, considering the situation Cavani found himself in a few weeks ago, the Uruguayan is in a much better position now. With his newfound prolific streak, El Matador’s confidence is flowing once again. Scoring the capital club’s fastest-ever Champions League goal in less than one minute will also be an ego boost for him.

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CAVANI BUT v Apoel https://t.co/N44ik8H1Qf #PSG

— FFW (@FrenchFtWeekly) November 5, 2014"

Another goal or two against Olympique de Marseille in Le Classique this weekend would confirm his return to free-scoring form.

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PSG 1-0 APO (10') - @ECavaniOfficial scored the fastest (55 seconds) goal scored by a French team in Champions League history

— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) November 5, 2014"

APOEL Not Clinical Enough

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Although PSG were relatively comfortable in the second half, APOEL had their chances in the first and should have been level early in the match.

However, Vinicius and Nuno Morais both missed good chances to haul the Greek Cypriots back into the game and failed to.

The Cypriot champions need to take those sorts of chances if they are succeed in their aim of reaching the UEFA Europa League ahead of Ajax. Their clash in the final round of matches should decided third place.

PSG Are Learning How to Play Without Zlatan

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Although the lack of goals would suggest that they are still struggling without their talismanic Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic, PSG would have had four or five goals on another night. As recent results are proving, the French giants are starting slowly but surely to learn how to play without their spiritual leader.

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11 - The number of passes made by PSG players before @ECavaniOfficial's opening goal against APOEL. Fluid. pic.twitter.com/r2kNlQ3RSi

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 5, 2014"

Les Parisiens can still look forward to their No. 10’s return to action, but the likes of Lucas have softened the blow. The Brazilian was exceptional on the night, tormenting the APOEL defence, only missing a goal to complete an excellent night’s work.

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Lucas Moura made 9 successful dribbles, created 3 scoring chances and kept a pass success of 94% against Apoel. Big form this season.

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) November 5, 2014"

Pastore, superb since the start of the season, was also impressive once again. While Ibrahimovic’s absence may have been detrimental to PSG’s results in the short term, the Swede’s unavailability has reinvigorated both Lucas and Pastore this season.

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Moura giving Ioannou a torrid time. Having your professional debut against Moura is like having your first driving lesson in the Grand Prix.

— Andreas Vou (@AndreasVou89) November 5, 2014"

Looking past Ibrahimovic’s time at PSG, which should end in 2016 along with his contract, that is very good news for the French champions.

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Zlatan does not understand how you can continue this tournament without Zlatan . . .#Zlatan pic.twitter.com/ZndCT2ELZc

— Soccer Gods (@soccergods) November 5, 2014"